Patagonia Fly Fishing

Estancia Las Buitreras holds the most prolific beat on the Rio Gallegos -- over 40km of private water and more than 50 named pools, fished since 2002. The river is relatively shallow, making for easy wading and eliminating the need for fast sinking lines.

Most fishing is done by stripping the fly to provoke a strike, using floating or clear intermediate shooting heads on a single or light double-hand rod -- a 7wt, 12ft double-hander rigged with a scandi-style floating body and intermediate tip covers most conditions.

The lodge sits a 10-minute walk from the river's edge, with six double rooms and two single rooms, all with private bathrooms. Up to 14 guests can be accommodated, though the operation welcomes a maximum of 12 fishermen per week to keep the water uncrowded. An indoor winter garden and a wind-protected courtyard with a stone grill host the evening's asado and a glass of wine after fishing.